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Panamic Fanged Blenny

Pacific Fish ID

Ophioblennius steindachneri

Adult 

Family: Combtooth Blennies (Blenniidae)
Size: Up to 18 cm (7 in)
Depth: 1 – 20m (3 – 66ft)
Distribution: Tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean.

Identification:
Curious and common, these blennies are often found peeking out of rocky recesses.

  • Coloration: Adults display a dark olive to brownish body with lighter markings on the head and darker spots fading behind the pectoral fins. Their color is adapted for camouflage against the rocks.
  • Lookalike: Juveniles are very similar to the Redlip Blenny but lack the bright red lips and orange pectoral fins of their cousin.

Behavior:
A territorial fish with personality.

  • Defense: Despite their small size, they are highly territorial and will come out of hiding to defend their patch. They use their comb-like teeth to prey on small invertebrates and graze on algae.
  • Reproduction: Females deposit sticky eggs on rock walls in protected areas. The males then fertilize and guard these eggs until they hatch.

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Behind the Lens

Jalvan

Underwater Photographer & Instructor

Documenting unique marine biodiversity from the Red Sea across the Pacific Ocean. Dedicated to creating a visual catalog of Bahia Solano’s marine life for conservation and research.

Photography: Sony A7C II | Olympus EPL10
Video: Osmo Action 5 Pro | GoPro

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REFERENCES & DATA SOURCES

  • Scientific ID: Verified via FishBase.
  • Field Guide: Reef Fish Identification: Baja to Panama (Humann & DeLoach).
  • Regional Data: Ankla Azul Marine Observation Log (Bahia Solano).

More Than Kicking Your Fins

At Ankla Azul, diving is more than kicking your fins. It’s patient teaching, sharp safety, and real care for the place we call home. As an SSI Instructor Training Center and an SSI Blue Oceans Center (2025 award), we blend skill-building with ocean awareness—Fish ID, coral nursery work, community education, and rescue support—so every dive grows confidence and respect for Bahía Solano’s wild Pacific.